# NTSB LAX94LA283: Meyers ME 200, N7MV, Chico, CA, July 6, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 6, 1994, 11:45 local (18:45 UTC)
- Place: Chico, CA
- Coordinates: 39.739158, -121.830352 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7392&lon=-121.8304&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 12, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28796
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA283
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28796/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA283

## Probable cause

A SEPARATION OF THE EXHAUST PIPE FROM THE CABIN HEAT CONTROL VALVE AND THE LACK OF INSULATION ON ELECTRICAL WIRING BETWEEN THE AMMETER AND THE AVIONICS BUS.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Fire, takeoff
  - exhaust system - fractured (cause)
  - electrical system,electric wiring - deteriorated (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT EXPERIENCED AN IN-FLIGHT FIRE DUE TO A SEPARATION OF THE END OF THE EXHAUST PIPE WHERE THE EXHAUST SHROUD/MUFF CONNECTS TO THE CABIN HEAT CONTROL VALVE.  ALSO FOUND WAS A LARGE ELECTRIC WIRE BETWEEN THE VOLT/AMMETER AND THE AVIONICS BUS COMPLETELY VOID OF ANY INSULATION.  THE LOGBOOKS INDICATED NO ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE HAD BEEN PERFORMED FOR SOME TIME.

## Factual narrative

On July 6, 1994, at 1145 hours Pacific daylight time, the pilot of a Meyers ME 200 aircraft, N7MV, experienced an in-flight fire shortly after departing the airport at Chico, California.  The pilot returned to the airport and, after landing, he and his passenger jumped from the aircraft due to smoke and fire in the cockpit.  The aircraft received substantial fire damage.  The pilot and his passenger received minor injuries.

The examination of the aircraft by a Federal Aviation  Administration inspector revealed that the left exhaust pipe from the engine had broken in two.  The break was at the aft end of the pipe where the exhaust shroud/muff connects to the cabin heat control valve.  Examination of the burned wires showed some patches of insulation remaining.  However, a large electrical wire between the electronic volt/ammeter and the avionics bus was completely void of any insulation.  The pilot indicated no electrical problems and the logbooks revealed no electronic maintenance had been accomplished for some time.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7MV](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7MV), registered now, S/N 289, built 1964 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Meyers Aircraft Co. ME 200
- Registry model: [Meyers Industries 200C](https://openairdocs.org/model/meyers-industries-200c) (registry code 5650308) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 289
- Airframe hours: 2300
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-A 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: In-Flight
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert R. Clark
- Registered owner: Robert R. Clark
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 6, 1994, 35 hours before
- Destination: 052, YUBA CITY, CA
- Airport: CIC, Chico Municipal, runway 31R, 6,724 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 70; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,875 total, 1,000 in this make and model, 1,875 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19940706027209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940706027209A), Jul 6, 1994: Propjt 200CINTRCP, Chico, CA, Substantial damage. Fire on takeoff. Returned and evacuated. Exhaust pipe broke. Burned electrical wires. Bare wire to ammeter.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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